By TODD REED

News Leader Sports Editor

Malvern won five games last week to stretch its winning streak to eight.

The Hornets beat Garaway 6-1, Hiland 12-10 and Conotton Valley 8-2 to remain unbeaten in league play at 4-0.

A doubleheader sweep of Southern Local, by scores of 6-0 and 14-1, improved Malvern's overall mark to 8-1.

The Hornets were to face Ridgewood on April 14 and Strasburg on April 15, before traveling to Fairless today (April 17). The boys will host Newcomerstown on Monday, April 21, before traveling to Tusky Central on Tuesday, April 22.

Malvern 6

Garaway 1

Brady Sickles had three hits, including a home run, and Sean Kettering pitched a gem in leading the Hornets past the Pirates.

Kettering went the distance, allowing one earned run on four hits, while striking out four.

Julian Guiao had an RBI double and Tyler Tucci stole three bases.

"Sean kept them off balance and also picked off two of their runners," noted Head Coach Dennis Tucci. "Brady had a big game at the plate."

Malvern 12

Hiland 10

Trailing 9-5 entering the bottom of the fifth, Malvern scored four times, with the tying run coming on a three-run homer by Kettering.

Hiland retook the lead with a run in the top of the sixth, but Christian Byrd tied it up with an RBI single, T. Tucci's RBI gave the Hornets the lead and Kettering came through with an insurance run.

Kettering finished with three hits and five RBIs. C. Byrd had two singles and two RBIs, T. Tucci had two runs and two RBIs, Zak Kapron had three singles; Vince Larson had a double and scored two runs, Doug Wood and Guiao each scored twice and Sickles had two singles.

Jesse Byrd got the win in relief.

"It's important to score with Hiland," commented Coach Tucci. "They have a great-hitting team, so to beat them, you must hit with them. We certainly did that, with 13 hits.

"Sean's three-run homer to tie it in the fifth was an emotional blow. Jesse Byrd got us three fly outs in the seventh.

"To start the week with wins over Garaway and Hiland is a great accomplishment. We knew we would be better, but our start has us all thinking of big things."

Malvern 8

Conotton Valley 2

J. Byrd improved to 3-0, allowing just one earned run on five hits in seven innings of work. He also helped his cause with a two-run homer.

Larson had a monstrous grand slam, Kapron hit a solo shot, Kettering had two hits and two runs and Sickles had two singles.

"It was another good night for the Hornets," stated Coach Tucci. "Jesse was in control. He didn't allow a walk and retired the last 13 batters. Our three homers were blasts. Vince's grand slam was the dagger."

Malvern 6

Southern Local 0

Larson went the first four innings for his second win of the season against no losses. Nate Harry pitched the final three innings for his first save.

Larson also contributed at the plate with a home run, single, two RBIs and two runs. Guiao and Jesse Locke each had two singles and C. Byrd had a two-run single.

"Vince and Nate were splendid," noted Coach Tucci. "They combined on the shutout by giving up just three hits and only walking two. It was a welcome sight to see Nate pitch that well in his first home varsity outing.

"Our top four hitters were a combined 0-for-13, so it was important for the bottom of our lineup to come through. Vince's home run gave us a little breathing room."

Malvern 14

Southern Local 1

The Hornets poured it on in the second game of the doubleheader with the Indians, needing just five innings for their eighth straight win.

Kapron (2-0) earned the win with four strong innings. Allen Sword pitched the fifth.

Kyle Burwell had a double, Guiao scored two runs, Kettering had two doubles and two runs, Sickles had three RBIs, Kapron had three singles and two RBIs, Eric Hain scored two runs, Sword knocked in two runs, and Jeremy Lynch scored twice.

"It was good to get these youngsters into a varsity game," commented Coach Tucci. "Zak didn't have his best command, but he battled to keep them at bay. We had 14 hits in four innings. That speaks for itself."

treed@alliancelink.com